Biology STAAR Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Mastering the State of Texas Readiness Exam!

An abiotic factor refers to a non-living component of an ecosystem that influences living organisms and the functioning of the ecosystem. Temperature is a prime example of an abiotic factor because it affects various biological processes, such as metabolic rates, reproduction, and development in organisms.

Organisms, such as plants, fungi, and insects, are all biotic factors; they are living components of the ecosystem. In contrast, temperature, as a physical characteristic of the environment, shapes the habitat and can determine which organisms can thrive in specific conditions. Therefore, understanding temperature as an abiotic factor is crucial for studying ecological relationships and the overall health of ecosystems.